My husband and I bought our Taurus new from the dealer when we became grandparents for the first time. We had had a van while our own children were younger and had retired it once they were in high school to a sporty utility truck that we both drove. I wasn't working so we really weren't a two vehicle family. But when my daughter became pregnant we knew we were going to be very hands on and active with our grandchild. We purchased the vehicle in December with the grandbaby due in February. It had everything we wanted. When we were all out and about it was just my husband and I and the grandbaby. We didn't need anything big but we did need something big enough for a car seat and to be comfortable for us all. The car provided a smooth ride, which is essential when traveling with an infant. Then we had a 2nd grandchild and had enough room for all four of us. If another one comes along we may just have to get a station wagon.

The 2004 Taurus is a good utilitarian get-to-work car. I previously owned a 1996 Taurus and I'd describe this later model as a bit less fun to drive overall. The turning radius just isn't as tight and the car feels a bit bloated and heavier. However, it's been very reliable and has always been ready to get us anywhere we needed to go, even as our family grew. The LATCH car seat anchors in the back seat are easy to get to when installing a new car seat, although a front seat passenger may be cramped because most car seats are so large these days that you have to move the front seat forwards. The interior is comfortable, even though it doesn't feel particularly roomy. Our car has not suffered any major breakdowns, although it's needed the transmission and brake inspections that are part of the maintenance schedule and are to be expected with a vehicle over a decade old. It's a great value as a used car if you just need reliable transportation and don't care much about minor features.